Welcome to the Virtual Arts Centre
The Virtual Arts Centre aims to bring Cheltenham’s thriving community of artists, musicians, makers and creators together with unexpected and exciting venues across the town, reclaiming Cheltenham for the arts, the artists and the audiences. Shop windows, empty units, abandoned buildings, forgotten rooms out the back, pavements, pubs, parks and the World Wide Web; nowhere is off limits and everyone is invited.
Come and join us on our mission to make the arts into a daily encounter..
The Family - by Tom Goddard
Music Development Networker
Since May 2009 Cheltenham, along with the other Gloucestershire districts, has had its own Music Development Networker in the shape of Andrew Lansley. Based in offices at the Frog and Fiddle on the Lower Higher Street, Andrew is bringing together Cheltenham's great many music makers, movers and shakers, promoters, labels and venues, into a cohesive music scene working together for mutual benefit. Follow his progress on his highly entertaining blog or look out for a free copy of Afterdark Music magazine at many local outlets and venues.
flickr
Interpreted photostreams are being uploaded onto flickr, the photo sharing website to enable you to experience some of the collections from anywhere in the world and at any time. They are grouped into themed "Virtual tours" like Contemporary Objects, Starter for 10 or Advent and more tours are being added all the time, including exhibition tasters. Join in the conversation by creating your own flickr account or simply enjoy looking at the collections from the comfort of your own home.
Zeitgeist
In 2007 we celebrated our 100th birthday and while continuing to steward an award-winning collection of objects and art spanning many years, we also seek to celebrate the living memories of our more recent past to create a vivid picture of our town.
The film below gives a flavour of the Zeitgeist collection which is available to view on our Youtube page. These are the collected musings of Cheltenham people in their own words, a snapshot of Cheltenham life as recorded in 2007.
Art at the Brewery
So far there have been nearly 20 art installations in Unit 13 at the Brewery Centre, St Margarets Road, Cheltenham, showcasing the work of various local artists.
Paintings, light sculptures, illustrated poetry, photography, projections and three dimentional work have all filled the empty space with life. In addition, the upstairs of the unit has been used by local artists a
s a large scale project space.
The project aims to bring art into the very heart of Cheltenham, challenging passers by to pause for thought about the creative use of unused commercial space. If you are an artist working locally who might be able to make use of a free exhibiting opportunity, get in touch.
“We’re delighted to support the Virtual Arts Centre and they are very welcome to this space until we can confirm that the unit is let. It’s a great location at the heart of everything going on at The Brewery so we’re sure it will do a great job in raising awareness of their work.”
Scott Lahive, Centre Manager, The Brewery